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Advocacy Alert

California, Gov. Brown Signs Landmark Bill to Protect Pets!

California, Gov. Brown Signs Landmark Bill to Protect Pets!

Update—October 13, 2017: Great news, advocates! Governor Brown signed A.B. 485 into law. This landmark law will prevent commercially bred puppies, kittens and rabbits from being sold in California's pet stores, and makes California the first state in the country to enact such a ban. Thank you to everyone who spoke up on behalf of this historic bill.

The ASPCA has long been a strong and consistent advocate for ending the cruel breeding practices found in puppy mills. One way to accomplish our goal is by cutting off a primary link in the supply chain: the pet stores that supply commercially bred puppies, kittens, and rabbits to the market. The ASPCA has engaged in efforts at the local level to enact similar ordinances in cities and counties across the U.S., and we have been working closely with Assembly Member O’Donnell to ensure this bill will have the greatest impact and set the strongest possible precedent for other states to follow suit.

To date, 36 diverse municipalities in California—ranging from rural Sierra and Central Valley towns to large cities—have enacted similar ordinances. Those cities did so to take a stand against allowing cruelly-bred animals to be sold in their communities. Enactment of A.B. 485 will mark the first time an entire state has elevated these important local protections to mill-bred animals.

Advocacy Alert

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Subject
Please Sign A.B. 485, the Pet Store Sales Ban

Dear Governor Brown,

Message

As a California voter, I strongly support A.B. 485 and urge your signature when it reaches your desk. The bill will prohibit California pet stores from selling cruelly-bred dogs, cats and rabbits, and instead provide an opportunity for pet stores to work with legitimate shelters and nonprofit rescue groups to find families for homeless animals.

The vast majority of pet store companion animals come from commercial breeding operations, known as “puppy mills” or “kitten mills.” These “mill” facilities are designed to maximize profits at great detriment to the animals in their possession, which are generally kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, food, water, or socialization. Animals bred in these conditions may suffer severe health problems, including contagious and deadly diseases and congenital defects, as well as behavioral problems.

Fortunately, in response to growing awareness of the cruelty associated with these mills, Californians are taking action to ensure that their communities don’t support the inhumane breeding practices. To date, 36 diverse jurisdictions in California, ranging from rural Sierra and Central Valley towns to large cities, have enacted similar ordinances. In these jurisdictions, pet stores can choose to collaborate with municipal and nonprofit shelters to offer space for adoptable animals. In fact, the vast majority of California pet stores, big and small, already operate successfully without selling commercially bred puppies, kittens or rabbits. A.B. 485 provides plenty of time for existing operators to comply with this humane model. Passage of A.B. 485 will mark the first time an entire state has elevated these important local protections to mill-bred animals.

As Californians, we should stand against the cruelty inherent in pet store sales. I urge you to sign A.B. 485. Thank you for your time and consideration of my position.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]
[Your Address]

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